Have Your Say on proposed new rules for Southern Bluefin Tuna

Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson is encouraging public feedback on proposed new rules for fishing Southern Bluefin Tuna.

Illustration of Bluefin Tuna

Minister Hodgkinson said the proposed new regulatory arrangements are considered vital to the protection of Southern Bluefin Tuna, which were listed as an endangered species in NSW in 2004, after the NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee found the species was facing a very high risk of extinction in NSW in the near future. “

A Species Impact Statement evaluating the effects of the proposed changes will be on public exhibition for the next six weeks.

Whilst explaining the necessity of the proposed regulations to ensure the continued existence of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Ms Hodgkinson was keen to stress the social and economic benefits of recreational fishing.

The key proposed changes to the regulation amendment are:

a daily bag limit of one Southern Bluefin Tuna;

a daily boat limit of two Southern Bluefin Tuna; and

a charter boat limit of six Southern Bluefin Tuna.

Ms Hodgkinson said all issues raised in the submissions would be considered before a final decision is made.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in fishing to read the Species Impact Statement and have their say”.

The Species Impact Statement and draft Ministerial Order can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries. Submissions close on Wednesday 16 April 2014.